Aviator857

Ok, about 5 years I had my car painted with Macco enamel (laugh if you will it was cheap and its still on there and shiny when washed), Is there anything that I can prime the car with so I can paint over it with urthane base clear. If not how would you suggest striping it off chem, or sanding. I have a friend that says just to use a DA with 220 grit, I wan't a really good paint job this time, but would rather stirp it myself to save $$$$, but I don't want to ruin the metal with scratches. Oh yea, its over the crapy Van Nyes paint that the hood was begining to pill. I would like to go to atleast the factory primer. There is no rust and nothing but a little rash from rocks and stuff on the body, and never has been. My major concern is getting the macco off.